"HP today is taking necessary actions to protect its intellectual property against unauthorized use," the company said in a statement. "HP respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects the same treatment in return."

Acer did not immediately issue a statement related to the lawsuit.

Acer is currently the fourth largest PC vendor in the world and the second largest computer retailer in Taiwan. Acer's U.S. sub-division Acer America Corporation is located in San Jose with a technical support department located in Texas. ®